<p>My son has Asperger’s, ADD and lots of executive funtion problems. He has poor impulse control, which is causing money issues. We think we give him a generous amount of money, plus he works a few hours a week. However, he tends to spend it all at once, and thus is perpetually broke.</p>
<p>Does impulse control increase with maturity? Can it be taught?</p>
<p>For a time, we had to transfer funds every 2 weeks rather than monthly for one of ours in college.
I think it is difficult for kids these days; it is easier to spend with ATMs and debit cards. With only daytime banking hours and cash, I used to divvy up my funds into envelopes, either by function (rent, food, entertainment) or time (week 1, week 2).</p>
<p>I don’t know about Aspie kids, but I think most kids do best when impulse control is taught at a very young age.</p>
<p>For an older child/young adult, I guess it can be taught, but it’s going to be more difficult because they’re at an age when they feel that you’re “clipping their wings” and trying to control them.</p>
<p>I can understand Mominva’s solution of sending money every 2 weeks, that is a good idea. If I had that situation, I could transfer money every week (or every few days) if needed. I can do it online, so not too much effort required.</p>
<p>Since your son also gets a paycheck, I would time my deposits when he hasn’t just received a paycheck. That way, he won’t have large amounts all at one time.</p>
<p>You could look into behavioral methods like budgeting lists, etc.</p>
<p>My suggestion is a bit more unusual. I bought my son a small safe to store his money and other valuables. He only takes out what he thinks he’ll need to spend on a specific item. He seems to like the idea that the money is in a “safe place” and he enjoys seeing it in there. It’s motivated him to save and made him aware of what he spends.</p>
<p>I bought it at Staples - it has a combination and a key - not too expensive.</p>
<p>missypie - what many kids learn through trial and error (if I spend all my money on Day 1 then it’s gone until next payday) kids like yours may need to be explicitly taught.
They just won’t “get it”. don’t know how old he is but maybe it’s time to make a set time each week where you both sit down and talk about “money”.
You can point out the obvious and then he may “get it”; but won’t figure it out otherwise.</p>
<p>I think the envelope thing might do the trick. An envelope for rent, utilities, 4 per month for food (one each week) and one each week for “fun”. If he would respect the envelopes it would create a good habit.</p>
<p>missy, here’s an article on money management from an ADD site. It includes the envelope idea as well as some others. I also like the calendar idea where you keep track of when money is received and spent throughout the month; this sort of visual aid has helped my Aspie S (when he remembers to do it of course!). I’m guessing there might be other ideas out there on add or asperger’s sites.</p>
<p>[Managing</a> Money (WWK17)](<a href=“http://www.help4adhd.org/en/living/WWK17]Managing”>http://www.help4adhd.org/en/living/WWK17)</p>
<p>Although your S is still a college student and does not have all the financial responsibilities as working adults you might as well get him started now on developing some sort of system to manage his finances.</p>
<p>Lack of impulse control is part and parcel of his Asperger’s, so as usual whatever parents of neurotypicals tell you (about their kids just picking up impulse control) doesn’t apply, and as usual, you have to teach him explicitly and stay all over him.</p>